WHEN PARENTS ARE DIVIDED
How to speak to an uncooperative parent
By Lynne Sullivan, DC

If you work with children, you must deal with parents. Most often, this does not present a problem.

But sometimes, parents are divided about chiropractic for children.

It is frustrating when one parent sees the need for treatment, but the other is against it. The power struggle between the parents often results in the child remaining subluxated and sick.

The solution to a power lock is to educate the uncooperative parent. Although it is not possible to win over all adamant parents, the following suggestions will help you overcome many objections.

1. Demonstrate a pediatric adjustment. Invite the uncooperative spouse to observe while you adjust other children.

Uncooperative parents usually have little first-hand experience with chiropractic, so it is important to attempt to get him to come into your office. If the parent is waiting in the car for the visit to conclude or if he has come by to pay a bill, extend an invitation to come into your office for a few moments to see what you do.

When he sees you adjust other children, most of his misconceptions will be dispelled.

2. Send home success stories. Give the willing parent copies of pediatric-patient success stories to take home to the uncooperative spouse. Reading about success stories of other children may help reduce the reluctance.

3. Provide patient-education material. Give the parent some children's pamphlets to read. She may not read the material, but she cannot read it if you don't provide it to her.

4. Provide scientific references. Many uncooperative parents think that the allopathic approach is the only way to keep their families healthy. Maintain an information center devoted specifically to children's issues. Stock it with scientifically based articles, such as those that show the ineffectiveness and harm of antibiotics and Ritalin to children.

5. Help the cooperative spouse to pick the best battles. Teach the parent which issues or points are the most important to bring up to her spouse.

Show her how to avoid being argumentative by asking open-ended questions that point out the flaws in her spouse's thinking process. Asking questions often helps the skeptic understand that he does not have all the answers.

6. Telephone the uncooperative spouse. Answer some of her questions and concerns to help put her at ease. Start the conversation by asking

her if she knows how chiropractors determine if a child has a spinal problem.

7. Get a 'success story' to call the parent. Obtain permission from the cooperative parent, then ask the parent of a "pediatric success story" to call and talk with the individual, "parent to parent."

8. Send a video of success stories. Videos are easy to watch, and when they feature the testimonials of renowned athletes, credibility is built.

These ideas will surely give you more options to help families work together for the benefit of the child.

When you have a situation with one of the parents, remember that your sincerity, passion, and commitment to help children will go a long way. If you keep the best interest of the child at heart, you will be able to help more children that have this situation. Sometimes you have to be persistent in a loving way.

Lynne Sullivan, DC, graduated from Life Chiropractic College West as the class valedictorian in 1986. Since that time, she has developed a high-volume, family-oriented practice focusing on wellness care. She can be contacted at 925-484-1070 or at dcladywss@yahoo.com.